Louis van Gaal was again hit with numerous questions about injuries as he delivered his pre-match press conference on Thursday. The Dutchman delivered news which would have seen United fans produce a mix of frowns and smiles as he suggested that Michael Carrick, Angel Di Maria and David De Gea would all be fit for Saturday. However, he also hinted that Daley Blind could be out with a serious knee injury picked up during the international break and how Radamel Falcao has a new setback.
United had 12 first-team players reportedly doubtful to travel to the Emirates at the beginning of the week. While speaking to the media at the Reds' training ground, the manager provided the inevitable update on his squad's fitness.
“It's difficult to say if anyone is back because we have to wait for Friday's training session to decide if they're back,” van Gaal told reporters. “But they’re not coming back in the squad - that's a different thing. My philosophy is that you have to train at least one week with the squad, better two. But if you see our circumstances, we maybe have to bring players back to the squad.”
Futhermore, the boss added: “Di Maria has trained today normally so I don't think that is a question mark, but Shaw is. De Gea is good, no problem. I think I have to wait for the reaction in training with Carrick, but I also expect he's ready to play.
"Blind is not ready to play. He has now a brace on his knee, 10 days rest, then we have to make another scan and we can say more about his injury. It's not so bad as the doctors are thinking after the match, but it shall be a long story, I believe, but not six months or something."
Speaking about Falcao's situation: “He has a new injury and that takes time. Next week he shall train, probably with our selection and then he needs two weeks with maybe a game or something, but it’s always like that."